heartworm - our new rescue dog.

[twopjt]

He's tested positive. Under 2 years and a weak positive. Have never had a dog (and he's our 8th over the decades) with heartworm. Fast kill or slow kill? Buffalo Ridge pushing the fast kill - at $882 - so hard it's making me uncomfortable. The literature is unclear. Your opinion is OK but would really like first hand experience. Thanks.

[dbussone]

He's tested positive. Under 2 years and a weak positive. Have never had a dog (and he's our 8th over the decades) with heartworm. Fast kill or slow kill? Buffalo Ridge pushing the fast kill - at $882 - so hard it's making me uncomfortable. The literature is unclear. Your opinion is OK but would really like first hand experience. Thanks.


We've used buffalo ridge for our dogs since we ones here 3 years ago. If you are uncomfortable with a recommendation ask to speak with another of their vets. I trust this practice.

[Trayderjoe]

We've used buffalo ridge for our dogs since we ones here 3 years ago. If you are uncomfortable with a recommendation ask to speak with another of their vets. I trust this practice.

He's tested positive. Under 2 years and a weak positive. Have never had a dog (and he's our 8th over the decades) with heartworm. Fast kill or slow kill? Buffalo Ridge pushing the fast kill - at $882 - so hard it's making me uncomfortable. The literature is unclear. Your opinion is OK but would really like first hand experience. Thanks.

First, THANK YOU for going rescue-it is my favorite breed!

I had a Springer spaniel who developed heart worm-this was about 30 years ago, and the treatment at the time took one year. During that time, we had to refrain from letting her get "amped up" and my vet was concerned that pieces of the heartworm could break off and cause her to have a stroke. She was a hunter who loved to track/chase game and she could not be allowed off lead even in a fenced in yard as we had to restrict her activity level. I will admit that I am not familiar with the treatment methods today, however if I had the option for a faster treatment back then, I would have done so. I agree that if you are uncomfortable with the information provided by the vet you visited, obtain another quote. I would however, suggest that you also get feedback on the vet as well. Saving some money but using a less than desirable vet could cost you in the long run. Good luck to you and your "pal".

[mfp509]

I use Buffalo Ridge also but if I am unsure about anything I get a second opinion. The small animal veterinary hospital at the University of FL in Gainesville is where I have gone with my cat.

[echo11]

Current issue of Whole Dog Journal,, just out, has article about treating heartworm. Aside from hard copy, can be viewed online. Discusses treatment both fast and slow kill- pros and cons of each.
Good luck with your new rescue dog.

[Barefoot]

I've sent you a private message.

[Bonanza]

He's tested positive. Under 2 years and a weak positive. Have never had a dog (and he's our 8th over the decades) with heartworm. Fast kill or slow kill? Buffalo Ridge pushing the fast kill - at $882 - so hard it's making me uncomfortable. The literature is unclear. Your opinion is OK but would really like first hand experience. Thanks.

If this is a new rescue dog, I would contact the facility where you got him.

They should be responsible for the payment of his heartworm treatment
with either one of the vets with whom they do business or one of your choice.
I would call them immediately.

[shcisamax]

I use Dr. Vernon at Buffalo for a slightly complicated issue with our dog and she has been spot on. In fact, when we moved here, I checked on her recommendations with my vet back north. I think she is smart on protocol and she is very good about weeding through the issue. If you haven't spoken with her, that's who I would ask to discuss it with.

[Susan G]

He's tested positive. Under 2 years and a weak positive. Have never had a dog (and he's our 8th over the decades) with heartworm. Fast kill or slow kill? Buffalo Ridge pushing the fast kill - at $882 - so hard it's making me uncomfortable. The literature is unclear. Your opinion is OK but would really like first hand experience. Thanks.

See below...

[Susan G]

He's tested positive. Under 2 years and a weak positive. Have never had a dog (and he's our 8th over the decades) with heartworm. Fast kill or slow kill? Buffalo Ridge pushing the fast kill - at $882 - so hard it's making me uncomfortable. The literature is unclear. Your opinion is OK but would really like first hand experience. Thanks.

I adopted an 11 yr old cocker who had high positive and lots of juvenile H/W. I agreed to have him treated at my vet VS. the vet the SPCA used as I didn't have a good feeling about the vet in question. Did fast kill and after recovery, still positive with juvenile H/W. Next used Doxycycline method for 30 days x several rounds, plus started on monthly oral H/W meds. After a year and a half, he finally tested negative and just passed away recently at age 17.

Depending on WHERE you adopted, and if you can prove you have had him on H/W meds, they may be willing to help you out. The least they could do is get him treated thru THEIR vet at a greatly reduced cost. Any way you look at it, $825 seems high... But vets here are much higher on most procedures.

Best of luck to you and your pup. Maybe get a second opinion.